Dharmasthala

Situated on the banks of river Nethravathi and surrounded by the lush green forests and hills of Malnad, Dharmasthala is known for it's beautiful surroundings and Sri Manjunathaswamy Temple. In Dharmasthala, charity is a way of life, extended to all without discrimination. Sri Dharmasthala which is one of the sacred places in South India and is a famous pilgrim centre. It is situated in the village of Dharmasthala, in Beltangady Taluk of South Kanara district about 75 kms from Mangalore.

Originally this place was called Kuduma, it has rich history of over 800 years. The History of this place says that, one day about 800 years ago, angels in the form of human beings came to house of pious people, Barmana Heggade and his family. The couple received the visitors with joy and respect. Impressed with the hospitality and the treatment given by the family, the angels appeared in their dream and promised to stay at Kuduma. They also ordered Barmana Heggade to give donations and food for the needy everyday. As per the wish of the angels Barmana Heggade built temples forKalarahu, Kalarkai, Kumarswamy and Kanyakumariand performed the rituals and ceremonies from time to time.

Sometime later when Annappa Swamy, the messenger of the angels brought Shivalingam from Kadri in Mangalore, Heggade built a temple of Manjunatha Swamy and installed the Kadri's Shiva Linga there.

Henceforth, several ceremonies were held together forManjunatha Swamy, Chandranatha Swamy and the angels. Kuduma became Dharmasthala, the place where Dharma is a way of life.Now Dharmasthala is beautiful city with modern houses, magnificient buildings and tourist bungalows. There are many educational institutions providing basic and higher educations.

Even after several years, the Heggade family have continued to serve the place with donations etc.Some of the prominent in the Heggade dynasty are Kumarayya Heggade, Manjayya Heggade (the second), Chandayya Heggade, Rathna Verma Heggade.